Removable controller accessory for a game controller

ABSTRACT

A removable controller accessory for a game controller. The removable controller accessory includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side includes a finger interface sized and shaped for manual manipulation by a finger. The second side includes a mounting interface configured to selectively mate with an accessory-retention feature of a mounting platform of the game controller to removably affix the removable controller accessory to the mounting platform.

BACKGROUND

A user input control device, such as a game controller may be used toprovide user input to control an object or a character in a video gameor to provide some other form of control. A game controller may includevarious types of controls that may be configured to be manipulated by afinger to provide different types of user input. Non-limiting examplesof such controls may include push buttons, triggers, touch pads,joysticks, paddles, bumpers, and directional pads. The various controlsmay be manipulated to provide control signals that may be mapped todifferent operations in a video game.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore,the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solveany or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

A removable controller accessory for a game controller. The removablecontroller accessory includes a first side and a second side oppositethe first side. The first side includes a finger interface sized andshaped for manual manipulation by a finger. The second side includes amounting interface configured to selectively mate with anaccessory-retention feature of a mounting platform of the gamecontroller to removably affix the removable controller accessory to themounting platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front of an example game controller.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the game controller of FIG. 1 with aremovable controller accessory aligned to be removably affixed to amounting platform.

FIG. 3 shows a topside of the mounting platform of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows an underside of the removable controller accessory of FIGS.1-2.

FIG. 5 shows an underside of the mounting platform of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 shows the underside of the mounting platform of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 shows the removable controller accessory aligned to be installedon the mounting platform of the game controller of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of the removable controller accessory andthe mounting platform of the game controller of FIGS. 1-2 taken alongline A-A of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a portion of a frame of the game controller of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 10 shows a partial cutaway view of the portion of the frame of FIG.9 with the mounting platform installed on the frame, the removablecontroller accessory removably affixed to the mounting platform, and anupper housing portion removed.

FIG. 11 shows an example removable controller accessory having a fingerinterface that includes a concave dish having a smooth surface.

FIG. 12 shows an example removable controller accessory having a fingerinterface that includes a joystick.

FIG. 13 shows an example removable controller accessory including nineplanar facets.

FIG. 14 shows an example mounting platform including a snap fastener andcorresponding alignment features.

FIG. 15 shows a sectional view of an example removable controlleraccessory including a snap fastener and corresponding alignment featuresconfigured to interface with the mounting platform taken along line B-Bof FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 shows a topside of an example mounting platform including wedgefasteners.

FIG. 17 shows an underside of an example removable controller accessoryincluding wedge fasteners that are configured to selectively mate withthe wedge fasteners of the mounting platform of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 shows an example removable controller accessory including a maleportion of a twist-to-lock mechanism and an example mounting platformincluding a female portion of a twist-to-lock mechanism.

FIG. 19 shows the removable controller accessory of FIG. 18 removablyaffixed to the mounting platform via the twist-to-lock mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

User input control devices, such as game controllers, may beshaped/sized to fit an average hand size of a population of users.Likewise, finger-manipulatable controls (e.g., push buttons, triggers,joysticks, directional pads) that are integral to a game controller havetraditionally been designed according to a “one size fits all” approach.However, different users may have different preferences on the shape,size, color, texture, or other attributes of such controls.

The present disclosure is directed to a customizable game controllerthat includes one or more finger manipulatable controls that can beswapped out in a tool-free manner. For example, such a configuration mayfacilitate the use of differently configured removable controlleraccessories that are customized for particular types of video games tobe quickly swapped on the game controller when switching between playingdifferent video games. In another example, such a configuration mayfacilitate the use of differently configured removable controlleraccessories that are preferred by different players to be quicklyswapped on the game controller when the game controller is used by thedifferent players.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example user input control device in the form of agame controller 100. The game controller 100 may be configured totranslate user input into control signals that are provided to acomputing device, such as a gaming console. The control signals may bemapped to commands to control a video game or perform other operations.For example, the game controller 100 may be configured to send controlsignals via a wired or wireless connection with a computing device.

The game controller 100 includes a plurality of controls 102 configuredto generate different control signals responsive to finger manipulation.One or more of the plurality of controls 102 may include a removablefinger pad 114. The removable finger pad 114 may be one of a pluralityof differently configured removable controller accessories removablyaffixable to the game controller 100. For example, various differentlyconfigured removable controller accessories may have different sizes,shapes, and/or textured surfaces that are preferred by different usersor may be suited for particular gaming or other purposes.

In the depicted implementation, the plurality of controls 102 includes aplurality of action buttons 104 (e.g., 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, 104E,104F, 104G, 104H, and 104I), a plurality of joysticks 106 (e.g., a leftjoystick 106A and a right joystick 106B), a plurality of triggers 108(e.g., a left trigger 108A and a right trigger 108B), and a directionalpad 110. The plurality of controls 102 may be coupled to a frame 120(shown in more detail in FIG. 9). The frame 120 may be containedcollectively within an upper housing portion 122 and a lower housingportion 124 of the game controller 100. In other words, the upperhousing portion 122 and the lower housing portion 124 may cooperate toform a housing that contains at least a portion of each of the pluralityof controls 102 that are coupled to the frame 120.

A printed circuit board 126 may be coupled to the frame 120. The printedcircuit board 126 may include a plurality of electronic input sensors128. Each electronic input sensor may be configured to generate anactivate control signal responsive to interaction with a correspondingcontrol. Non-limiting examples of electronic input sensors may includedome switches, tactile switches, Hall Effect sensors, potentiometers,and other electronic sensing components. Any suitable sensor may beimplemented in the game controller 100. In some implementations, two ormore printed circuit boards may be used.

The game controller 100 may include any number of controls, any type ofcontrols, any number of electronic input sensors, and any type ofelectronic input sensors without departing from the scope of thisdisclosure.

Each of the action buttons 104 may be configured to activate acorresponding electronic input sensor 128 to generate an activatecontrol signal responsive to being depressed (e.g., via fingermanipulation). For example, each control signal associated with anaction button may be mapped to a video game operation. Different videogames may have different mappings of control signals to operations. Insome cases, each action button may be mapped to a different operation.In other cases, two action buttons may be mapped to a same operation.

Each of the joysticks 106 may be configured to provide two-dimensionalinput that is based on a position of the joystick in relation to adefault “center” position. For example, the joysticks may interact withelectronic input sensors in the form of potentiometers that usecontinuous electrical activity to provide an analog input controlsignal.

Each of the triggers 108 may be configured to provide a variable controlsignal based on a position of the trigger relative to a defaultposition. For example, as a trigger is pulled farther away from thedefault position a characteristic of the generated control signal mayincrease in magnitude.

In the depicted implementation, the directional pad 110 is the onlycontrol on the game controller 100 that is configured to interface witha plurality of differently configured removable controller accessoriessuch that a selected removable controller accessory may be removablyaffixed to the game controller 100. In particular, the directional pad110 includes a mounting platform 112 configured to interface with aselected removable controller accessory in the form of a removablefinger pad 114. The mounting platform 112 may include a topside 118including an accessory-retention interface 118′ configured to interfacewith a mounting interface 116′ of the removable finger pad 114.

As such, the directional pad 110 includes the mounting platform 112 andthe removable finger pad 114 when the removable finger pad 114 isremovably affixed to the mounting platform 112.

In the illustrated example, the removable finger pad 114 has across-shaped structure that includes a plurality of branches that extendin four different directions (e.g., up, down, left, right). Theremovable finger pad 114 may include a topside 115 that includes afinger interface 115′. The finger interface 115′ may include anysuitable surface, feature, shape, and/or structure configured to betouched and/or manually manipulated by a finger to provide user input.

The removable finger pad 114 may include an underside 116 that isopposite the topside 115. The underside 116 may include the mountinginterface 116′. The mounting interface 116′ may include any suitablesurface, feature, shape, and/or structure configured to selectively matewith the mounting platform 112 to removably affix the removable fingerpad 114 to the game controller 100. For example, the mounting interface116′ of the removable finger pad 114 may have a shape that complements ashape of an accessory-retention interface 118′ of the mounting platform112. Such corresponding interfaces may aid the removable finger pad 114in aligning with the mounting platform 112 to removably affix theremovable finger pad 114 to the game controller 100.

Furthermore, the mounting platform 112 may include one or moreaccessory-retention features (examples of which are shown at least atFIGS. 5-6 and 14-19) configured to removably affix various removablecontroller accessories to game controller 100 without the use of anytools. Such accessory-retention features may allow for differentlyconfigured removable controller accessories to be quickly and easilyinterchanged without the use of tools.

The directional pad 110 may be configured to reside in a default posturewhen no touch force is applied to the directional pad 110. In thedefault posture, the directional pad 110 does not cause any of theplurality of electronic input sensors 128 to generate an activatecontrol signal indicative of touch input. Further, the directional pad110 may be configured to move from the default posture to a selectedactivation posture responsive to a touch force being applied to thedirectional pad 110. The selected activation posture may be one of aplurality of different activation postures that each generate adifferent activate control signal or combination of activate controlsignals by interfacing with different electronic input sensors.

Note that the activation signal indicative of touch input produced inthe selected activation posture may be any signal that differs from asignal or lack thereof produced in the default posture. For example, insome implementations, the activation signal may correspond to a supplyvoltage (e.g., VDD) of the game controller 100 and the signal producedin the default state may correspond to a relative ground. (e.g., 0). Inother implementations, the activation signal may correspond to arelative ground and the signal produced in the default state maycorrespond to the supply voltage of the game controller 100.

In the depicted implementation, the directional pad 110 is depressablein four different directions (e.g., up, down, left, and right) tointerface with different electronic input sensors that generatedifferent activate control signals. In some implementations, the fourdifferent directions may correspond to four different activationpostures that generate four different activate control signals toprovide four-way directional input. In some implementations,combinations of activate control signals corresponding to pressing thedirectional pad 110 in two directions (e.g., up and left) at one timemay be interpreted as additional activation postures corresponding todiagonals in between the four directions to provide eight-waydirectional input. In some implementations, the directional pad 110 mayinclude a number of directions different than four or eight. Forexample, the directional pad 110 may include two or more differentdirections.

Note that the mounting platform 112 may be further configured such thatwhen a removable controller accessory is not affixed to the mountingplatform 112, a touch force may be applied directly to the mountingplatform 112. The mounting platform 112 may be configured to translatethe touch force into movement of the mounting platform 112 that appliesan activation force to one or more electronic input sensors to generateone or more different control signals. In other words, the mountingplatform 112 may function as a directional pad itself when a removablecontroller accessory is not affixed to the mounting platform 112. In oneexample, an activation force may include an amount of force sufficientto actuate a dome switch. The activation force may be any suitableamount of force to activate an electronic input sensor.

Although the mounting platform 112 may translate a touch force to anactivation force, the mounting platform 112 may otherwise differ from atraditional directional pad. For example, the mounting platform 112 maybe recessed from a surface of the upper housing portion 122 of the gamecontroller 100 in order to accommodate a thickness of the removablefinger pad 114. As such, the removable finger pad 114 will notexcessively protrude from the mounting platform 112 and interfere withoperation of other controls (e.g., joystick 106A) of the game controller100. Further, the topside 118 of the mounting platform 112 may haveabrupt edges that are configured to mate with the finger pad 114. Incontrast, traditional directional pads may have edges and surfaces thatare contoured to comfortably accommodate a user's thumb.

In the depicted implementation, the directional pad 110 is the onlycontrol of the plurality of controls 102 on the game controller 100 thatis configured to removably affix differently configured removablecontroller accessories to the game controller 100. In otherimplementations, the game controller 100 may include more than onecontrol that is configured to removably affix differently configuredremovable controller accessories to the game controller 100. Further, insome implementations, the game controller 100 may include differenttypes of controls other than the directional pad 110 that are configuredto removably affix differently configured removable controlleraccessories to the game controller. For example, one or more of thejoysticks, action buttons, or triggers may be configured to removablyaffix differently configured removable controller accessories to thegame controller 100.

In some implementations where two different controls are configured toremovably affix removable controller accessories to the game controller100, each such control may be configured to interact with a differentgroup of removable controller accessories. In particular, the differentremovable controller accessories in a given group may have a samemounting interface that is configured to be removably affixed to aparticular control. In other words, a selected removable controlleraccessory may only be compatible with one of the two controls. In otherimplementations, where two different controls are configured toremovably affix removable controller accessories to the game controller100, both controls may be configured in the same manner such that aselected removable controller accessory may be compatible to beremovably affixable to both controls.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show interfacing sides of the mounting platform 112 andthe removable finger pad 114. In particular, FIG. 3 shows the topside118 (e.g., the accessory-retention interface) of the mounting platform112. The mounting platform 112 includes a cross-shaped protrusion 300that extends from a base piece 302. The cross-shaped protrusion includesa plurality of branches 304 (e.g., 304A, 304B, 304C, 304D) that extendin different directions (e.g., up, down, left, right). In the depictedimplementation, each of the plurality of branches 304 have the samelength. In other implementations, different branches of the cross-shapedprotrusion 300 may have different lengths. The mounting platform 112 mayinclude any suitable number of branches that extend in any suitabledirection(s). In some implementations, the mounting platform 112 mayinclude an accessory-retention interface 118 having a non-branch shape.For example, the accessory-retention interface 118 may include a circle,triangle, square, star, or other shape.

Furthermore, the base piece 302 includes a plurality of mounting tabs306 (e.g., 306A, 306B, 306C) that are configured to interact with theframe 120 (shown in more detail in FIG. 9) to couple the mountingplatform 112 to the game controller 100. When the mounting platform 112is coupled to the frame 120, the plurality of mounting tabs 306 may beinserted into corresponding mounting brackets 902 (shown in FIG. 9) ofthe frame 120 to inhibit the mounting platform 112 from twisting in thegame controller 100.

FIG. 4 shows the underside 116 of the removable finger pad 114. Theunderside 116 may include a mounting interface 116′ configured to have ashape that complements the shape of the accessory-retention interface(e.g., the cross-shaped protrusion 300) of the mounting platform 112. Inparticular, the underside 116 of the removable finger pad 114 may beconcave to form a hollowed out cross-shaped cavity 400 including aplurality of valleys 402 (e.g., 402A, 402B, 402C, 402D). Thecross-shaped cavity 400 may be sized slightly larger than thecross-shaped protrusion 300 such that when the removable finger pad 114is installed on the mounting platform 112, the cross-shaped cavity 400covers the cross-shaped protrusion 300. In particular, the plurality ofvalleys 402 may extend downward over the plurality of branches 304. Inone example, the height of the cross-shaped protrusion 300 may be atleast as great as a depth of the cross-shaped cavity 400 such that whenthe removable finger pad 114 is installed on the mounting platform 112,a floor 404 of the cross-shaped cavity 400 rests on the cross-shapedprotrusion 300.

Furthermore, the removable finger pad 114 may include a plurality ofgrip notches 406 (e.g., 406A, 406B). Each of the plurality of gripnotches 406 may be positioned on an exterior side 408 of each branch ofthe cross shape that spans between the topside 115 and the underside116. The plurality of grip notches 406 may be configured to be grippedby fingers of a user to facilitate easy removal of the removable fingerpad 114 from the mounting platform 112. The removable finger pad 114 mayinclude any suitable number of grip notches 406, including zero gripnotches.

The removable finger pad 114 may be made at least partially offerromagnetic material, and the removable finger pad 114 may beremovably affixable to the mounting platform 112 through a magneticattraction between a plurality of magnets 506 (shown in FIG. 5) and theferromagnetic material of the removable finger pad 114. In someimplementations, the removable finger pad 114 may be a singleferromagnetic metal part. For example, the metal part may beinjection-molded. In another example, the part may be machined from asingle piece of metal. In other implementations, the removable fingerpad 114 may be an assembly including one or more ferromagnetic parts.

FIG. 5-6 show an underside 500 of the mounting platform 112. Theunderside 500 of the mounting platform 112 may be configured tointerface with the frame 120 (as shown in FIG. 9) to couple the mountingplatform 112 to the game controller 100. In particular, the mountingplatform 112 may include a pivot piece 502 configured to interface witha socket 904 (shown in FIG. 9) of the frame 120. The socket 904 and thepivot piece 502 may collectively form a joint about which the mountingplatform 112 is pivotable in a plurality of directions (e.g., up, down,left, right) relative to the frame 120. The pivot piece 502 may bepositioned in the center of the mounting platform 112 such that themounting platform 112 may pivot in a similar manner (e.g., angle,distance) in each direction. Moreover, the plurality of mounting tabs306 of the mounting platform 112 may be inserted into the correspondingplurality of mounting brackets 902 of the frame 120 to inhibit themounting platform 112 from twisting relative to the frame 120, when themounting platform 112 pivots in a particular direction.

The mounting platform 112 may assume a directionally-neutral defaultposture when the pivot piece 502 is centered in the socket 904. Further,the mounting platform 112 may be configured to move from the defaultposture to an activation posture in which the mounting platform 112pivots away from the directionally-neutral default posture. For example,the mounting platform 112 may move from the default posture to aselected activation posture responsive to a touch force being applied tothe removable finger pad 114.

In some implementations, the mounting platform 112 may be configured topivot into any one of four activation postures corresponding to theplurality of branches 304 of the mounting platform 112. In otherimplementations, the mounting platform 112 may be configured to pivotinto any one of eight activation postures corresponding to the pluralityof branches 304 as well as the diagonals between the branches. In otherimplementations, the mounting platform 112 may be configured to pivotinto any one of a number of activation postures other than four oreight. For example, the mounting platform 112 may be configured to pivotinto any one of two or more activation postures.

The mounting platform 112 may include a plurality of sensor-activationfeatures herein depicted in the form of projections 504 (e.g., 504A,504B, 504C, 504D). The plurality of projections 504 may be positioned onthe underside 500 of the mounting platform 112 to align with a pluralityof electronic input sensors 128 (e.g., 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D shown inFIG. 9) when the mounting platform 112 is coupled to the frame 120. Inparticular, when the mounting platform 112 is in the default posture,the plurality of projections 504 may hang over (or touch) the pluralityof electronic input sensors 128 without activating the plurality ofelectronic input sensors 128. In other words, when the mounting platformis in the default posture, none of the electronic input sensors 128 maygenerate an activate control signal indicative of user input.

Furthermore, when the mounting platform 112 moves from the defaultposture to a selected activation posture, one or more projections 504may interface with one or more corresponding electronic input sensors128 to generate one or more activate control signals indicative of userinput. For example, when an “up” touch force is applied to the removablefinger pad 114, projection 504A is pushed into corresponding electronicinput sensor 128A to generate an activate control signal indicative ofuser input in the “up” direction.

The projections 504 are merely one non-limiting example of asensor-activation feature of the mounting platform 112. Asensor-activation feature may take any suitable form. Moreover, themounting platform 112 may include any suitable number ofsensor-activation features configured to interface with any suitablenumber of electronic input sensors.

The mounting platform 112 may include a plurality of accessory-retentionfeatures herein depicted in the form of magnets 506 (e.g., 506A, 506B,506C, 506D) configured to removably affix the removable finger pad 114to the mounting platform 112. The plurality of magnets 506 may bepositioned in a plurality of troughs 508 (e.g., 508A, 508B, 508C, 508D)formed underneath the cross-shaped protrusion 300 (shown in FIG. 3). Theplurality of troughs 508 may have a depth to accommodate the pluralityof magnets 506 such that the plurality of magnets are at least flush (orrecessed) with the underside 500 of the mounting platform 112. Theplurality of magnets 506 may be coupled to the plurality of troughs 508in any suitable manner For example, the plurality of magnets 506 may becoupled to the plurality of troughs 508 using pressure-sensitiveadhesive.

FIGS. 7-8 show the removable finger pad 114 aligned to be installed onthe mounting platform 112. In FIG. 7, the mounting platform 112 ismounted to the frame 120 (as shown in FIG. 9), and the mounting platform112 protrudes through an aperture 700 defined by a rim 702 located onthe upper housing portion 122. As shown in FIG. 8, the removable fingerpad 114 may be removably affixed to the mounting platform 112 along aninterface direction (α). Further, the plurality of magnets 506 each maybe positioned such that a pole of each magnet extends in a direction(e.g., β or γ) that is not parallel to the interface direction (α)between the removable finger pad 114 and the mounting platform 112. Inone particular example, the pole of each magnet may extend in adirection that is perpendicular to the interface direction (α). Further,each magnet may be positioned such that a pole of the magnet isorientated in a direction that is rotated ninety degrees away from apole of each neighboring magnet.

Such a magnet orientation may allow the removable finger pad 114 toslide beyond the topside 118 of the mounting platform 112 to allow theremovable controller accessory to cover the mounting platform 112. Ifthe plurality of magnets were oriented such that a pole of each magnetextended in the interface direction (α) or a direction parallel to theinterface direction, then the underside 116 of the removable finger pad114 would be attracted to the topside 118 of the mounting platform 112.Such a configuration would make it difficult for the valleys 402 of theremovable finger pad 114 to slide over the branches 304 of thecross-shaped protrusion 300.

Note that the corresponding cross-shaped features of the mountingplatform 112 and the removable finger pad 114 as well as thecorresponding plurality of magnets and the ferromagnetic material allmay act as accessory-retention features that contribute to making theremovable finger pad 114 removably affixable to the mounting platform112. In particular, the corresponding cross-shaped features of themounting platform 112 and the removable finger pad 114 may cooperate toinitially align the removable finger pad 114 with the mounting platform112. Further, the plurality of magnets 506 and the ferromagneticmaterial may cooperate to retain the removable finger pad 114 affixed tothe mounting platform 112.

Any suitable number of magnets 506 may be employed to removably affixthe removable finger pad 114 to the mounting platform 112. Moreover,such magnets 506 may take any suitable form. For example, a single largering magnet may be used in place of the four rectangular magnets of thedepicted implementation. In order to accommodate a ring magnet, themounting platform 112 and the removable finger pad 114 may have acircular or toroidal shape instead of a cross shape. Such animplementation would still allow for the pivot piece 502 to bepositioned at the center of the mounting platform 112. Further, theplurality of magnets 506 may be oriented in the mounting platform 112according to any suitable orientation.

Furthermore, in some implementations, the removable finger pad 114 mayinclude magnets and the mounting platform 112 may be made at leastpartially of ferromagnetic material that is configured to be attractedto the plurality of magnets of the removable finger pad 114. In someimplementations, both the removable finger pad 114 and the mountingplatform 112 may include magnets that are configured to be attracted toeach other.

FIG. 9 shows a portion of the frame 120 without the mounting platform112 installed on the frame 120. The plurality of mounting brackets 902may be used to align the mounting platform 112 with the frame 120 suchthat the pivot piece 502 may interface with the socket 904 tocollectively form a joint about which the mounting platform 112 ispivotable in a plurality of directions relative to the frame 120.Further, the plurality of mounting brackets 902 (e.g., 902A, 902B, 902C)may be sunken below a rim 900 of the frame 120 in order to accommodatethe plurality of mounting tabs 306 such that the mounting platform 112may be prevented from twisting relative to the frame 120 when themounting platform 112 pivots in a given direction.

The printed circuit board 126 may be coupled beneath the frame 120 suchthat the plurality of electronic input sensors, depicted herein in theform of a plurality of dome switches 128 (e.g., 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D),may be aligned to interact with the plurality of projections 504 whenthe mounting platform 112 is installed on the frame 120. In particular,the plurality of dome switches 128 may be recessed relative to the frame120, and more particularly relative to the socket 904 such that when themounting platform 112 is in the default posture, the plurality ofprojections 504 do not activate the plurality of dome switches 128.Moreover, when the mounting platform 112 pivots from the default postureto an activation posture in a particular direction, a projection 504corresponding to the direction may be lowered to activate acorresponding dome switch 128.

The frame 120 includes a plurality of supports 906 (e.g., 906A, 906B,906C, 906D) that extend out from the socket 904. The plurality ofsupports 906 may be positioned to align with the plurality of troughs508 of the mounting platform 112 when the mounting platform 112 isinstalled on the frame 120. In particular, each support may beconfigured to extend at least to an opening of a corresponding trough tomaintain a magnet in the trough when the mounting platform 112 isinstalled on the frame 1120. The plurality of supports 906 may act asmagnet retention features that may keep the magnets in the troughs evenwhen an adhesive or other coupling mechanism fails.

FIG. 10 shows a portion of the frame 120 with the mounting platform 112installed on the frame 120, the removable finger pad 114 removablyaffixed to the mounting platform 112, and the upper housing portion 122removed to show the underlying structure. In particular, a spring clip1000 may be positioned between the frame 120 and the mounting platform112, and the plurality of mounting tabs 306 may extend under the springclip 1000 to couple the mounting platform 112 to the frame 120. Thespring clip 1000 may be configured to return the mounting platform 112from an activation posture to the default posture when a touch force tothe removable finger pad 114 has been lifted. For example, when theremovable finger pad 114 is depressed, the spring clip 1000 resists thedepressions and biases the removable finger pad 114 towards popping backup to the default posture. Note that the spring clip 1000 may be coveredby the upper housing portion 122 (shown in FIG. 2) of the gamecontroller 100, and the mounting platform 112 may be exposed via theaperture 700 (as shown in FIG. 7) defined by the rim 702 located on theupper housing portion 122.

In some implementations, different variations of the removable fingerpad 114 having differing attributes may be swapped on the mountingplatform 112. Non-limiting examples of such differing attributes, mayinclude different branch thickness of the cross shape, different crossheight, different branch angles, different materials, different surfacetextures, additional tactile features (e.g., bumps), different colors,different artwork, and other attributes.

In some implementations, differently configured removable controlleraccessories other than a removable finger pad may be removably affixedto the mounting platform 112. FIGS. 11-13 show non-limiting examples ofsome such removable controller accessories. FIG. 11 shows a removablecontroller accessory 1100 including a topside 1102 and an underside 1104opposite the topside 1102. The topside 1102 includes a finger interface1106 sized and shaped for manual manipulation by a finger. In thedepicted implementation, the finger interface 1106 includes a concavedish having a smooth surface. Such a finger interface may mimic acontour of a user's thumb. For example, the smooth surface of therounded dish may be useful for applications where large circularrotations of the directional pad may be performed frequently. In anotherimplementation, the finger interface 1106 may include a concave dishhaving a textured surface (e.g., bumps, ridges, depressions, orpatterns).

Furthermore, the underside 1104 includes a mounting interface 1108configured to selectively mate with an accessory-retention feature ofthe mounting platform 112 of the game controller 100 to removably affixthe removable controller accessory 1100 to the mounting platform 112. Inthe depicted implementation, the mounting interface 1108 may include across-shaped concave cavity that is configured to mate with thecross-shaped protrusion 300 of the mounting platform 112. In otherwords, the mounting interface 1108 may have features that complimentfeatures of the mounting interface 116′ of the removable finger pad 114(shown in FIG. 4). In some implementations, the removable controlleraccessory 1100 may be made at least partially of ferromagnetic materialthat is configured to have a magnetic attraction to the magnets 506 ofthe mounting platform 112.

FIG. 12 shows a removable controller accessory 1200 including a topside1202 and an underside 1204 that is opposite the topside 1202. Thetopside 1202 includes a finger interface 1206 depicted in the form of ajoystick. The joystick may provide a movable shaft or lever that can beeasily flicked in a particular direction. For example, such a lever maybe useful for applications where the same control (or direction) isactivated repeatedly, such as to scroll through items in an inventory.Furthermore, the underside 1204 includes a mounting interface 1208configured in the same manner as the mounting interface 1108 of theremovable controller accessory 1100.

FIG. 13 shows a removable controller accessory 1300 including a topside1302 and an underside 1304 that is opposite the topside 1302. Thetopside 1302 includes a finger interface 1306 depicted in the form of aconcave dish including a plurality of planar facets. Furthermore, theunderside 1304 includes a mounting interface 1308 configured in the samemanner as the mounting interface 1108 of the removable controlleraccessory 1100 and the mounting interface 1208 of the removablecontroller accessory 1200.

Because the removable controller accessories 114, 1100, 1200, and 1300all have similarly configured mounting interfaces that are configured tomate with the mounting platform 112, each of these removable controlleraccessories may be quickly and easily swapped on the game controller100.

In some implementations, the mounting platform 112 of the gamecontroller 100 alternatively or additionally may include one or morenon-magnetic accessory-retention features. Moreover, in suchimplementations, a removable controller accessory may include a mountinginterface configured to mate with such accessory-retention features toremovably affix the removable controller accessory to the mountingplatform.

FIGS. 14-15 show an example configuration in which a snap fastener isemployed as an accessory-retention feature to removably affix aremovable controller accessory 1500 to a mounting platform 1400. Inparticular, the mounting platform 1400 includes a snap fastener 1402.The snap fastener 1402 may be configured to interlock with acorresponding mating feature 1502 of the removable controller accessory1500 to removably affix the removable controller accessory 1500 to themounting platform 1400. In the depicted implementation, the mountingplatform 1400 also includes a plurality of alignment features 1402(e.g., 1402A, 1402B, 1403C, 1402D) configured to fit into a plurality ofcavities 1502 (e.g., 1502A, 1502B, 1502C, 1502D) of the removablecontroller accessory 1500 to prevent the removable controller accessory1500 from translating or rotating relative to the mounting platform1400.

Any suitable number of cooperating snap fasteners, mating features,and/or alignment features may be employed on the mounting platform 1400and the removable controller accessory 1500 to removably affix theremovable controller accessory 1500 to the mounting platform 1400.Moreover, the snap fasteners may take any suitable form. Furthermore,the snap fasteners may be positioned either at the center of themounting platform, towards the extremities, or both. In someimplementations, the snap fastener(s) 1402 may be located on theremovable controller accessory 1500 and the mating feature(s) 1502 maybe located on the mounting platform 1400. In some implementations, asubset of snap fasteners and mating features may be located on theremovable controller accessory 1500 and another subset of snap fastenersand mating features may be located on the mounting platform 1400.

FIGS. 16-17 show an example configuration in which complimentary wedgesurfaces are employed as accessory-retention features to removably affixa removable controller accessory 1700 to a mounting platform 1600. Themounting platform 1600 includes a cross-shaped alignment feature 1602.The alignment feature 1602 may be either raised or depressed to alignwith a cross-shaped alignment feature 1702 of the removable controlleraccessory 1700.

The mounting platform 1600 includes a protrusion 1604 that includes aplurality of wedge surfaces 1606 (e.g., 1606A, 1606B, 1606C, 1606D,1606E, 1606F, 1606G, 1606H). Further, the removable controller accessory1700 includes a cavity 1704 that includes a plurality of wedge surfaces1706 (e.g., 1706A, 1706B, 1706C, 1706D, 1706E, 1706F, 1706G, 1706H).When the removable controller accessory 1700 is removably affixed to themounting platform 1600, the cavity 1704 may mate with the protrusion1604 of the mounting platform such that complimentary wedge surfaces ofthe mounting platform 1600 and the removable controller accessory 1700interface with each other. In particular, friction between thecomplimentary wedge surfaces may removably affix the removablecontroller accessory 1700 to the mounting platform 1600. In someimplementations, the complimentary wedge surfaces may have high-frictiontextures that increase friction between complimentary wedge surfaces.The mounting platform 1600 and the removable controller accessory 1700may include any suitable number of complimentary pairs of wedgesurfaces. Moreover, the complimentary pairs of wedge surfaces may takeany suitable form (e.g., different angles, lengths, orientations).

FIGS. 18-19 show an example configuration in which a twist-to-lockmechanism is employed as an accessory-retention feature to removablyaffix a removable controller accessory 1800 to a mounting platform 1802.The removable controller accessory 1800 includes a male portion 1804 anda radial pin 1806 that extends radially outward from the male portion1804. Further, the mounting platform 1802 includes a female portion 1808having a side in which an L-shaped slot 1810 is formed. The male portion1804 may be inserted into the female portion 1808 until the radial pin1806 is stopped at a heel of the L-shaped slot 1810. The removablecontroller accessory 1800 may be rotated clockwise to move the radialpin 1806 to a toe of the L-shaped slot 1810 to affix the removablecontroller accessory 1800 to the mounting platform 1802.

The twist-to-lock mechanism may take any suitable form. For example, theremovable controller accessory may include any suitable number of radialpins. In another example, the mounting platform 1802 may include a slothaving any suitable shape. In some implementations, the male portion maybe biased upward such that radial pin is pushed upward into a toe catchof an L-shaped slot. In another example, the radial pin may be outwardlybiased, and the toe of the slot may include a depressable catch. In sucha configuration the catch may be depressed to release the pin from thetoe in order for the male portion to be twisted relative to the femaleportion.

In other implementations, the mounting platform and the removablecontroller accessory may include cooperating screw threads that act asaccessory-retention features to removably affix the removable controlleraccessory to the mounting platform by screwing the removable controlleraccessory onto the mounting platform.

Although the concept of swappable accessories are discussed mainly inthe context of a game controller, such concepts may be broadlyapplicable to any suitable user input control device.

In another example implementation, a removable finger pad for a gamecontroller comprises a first side and a second side opposite the firstside. The first side includes a finger interface. The finger interfacemay be sized and shaped for manual manipulation by a finger. The secondside includes a mounting interface configured to selectively mate withan accessory-retention feature of a mounting platform of the gamecontroller to removably affix the removable finger pad to the mountingplatform. In one example implementation that optionally may be combinedwith any of the features described herein, the mounting interface ismade at least partially of ferromagnetic material. Theaccessory-retention feature of the mounting platform includes one ormore magnets. The removable finger pad is removably affixable to themounting platform through a magnetic attraction between the one or moremagnets and the ferromagnetic material. In one example implementationthat optionally may be combined with any of the features describedherein, the removable finger pad is a single metal injection moldedferromagnetic part. In one example implementation that optionally may becombined with any of the features described herein, the finger interfaceis cross-shaped. In one example implementation that optionally may becombined with any of the features described herein, the finger interfaceincludes a concave dish having a smooth surface. In one exampleimplementation that optionally may be combined with any of the featuresdescribed herein, the finger interface includes a concave dish having atextured surface. In one example implementation that optionally may becombined with any of the features described herein, the mountinginterface includes one or more snap fasteners. The accessory-retentionfeature of the mounting platform includes one or more corresponding snapfasteners configured to interlock with one or more snap fasteners of theremovable finger pad to removably affix the removable finger pad to themounting platform. In one example implementation that optionally may becombined with any of the features described herein, the mountinginterface and the accessory-retention feature collectively form atwist-to-lock mechanism. In one example implementation that optionallymay be combined with any of the features described herein, the mountinginterface includes a cross-shaped cavity configured to cover across-shaped protrusion of the mounting platform when the removablefinger pad is removably affixed to the mounting platform. In one exampleimplementation that optionally may be combined with any of the featuresdescribed herein, the removable finger pad comprises a third sidebetween the first side and the second side. The third side includes agrip notch configured to be gripped by a finger.

In another example implementation, a removable controller accessory fora game controller comprises a first side and a second side opposite thefirst side. The first side includes a finger interface. The fingerinterface may be sized and shaped for manual manipulation by a finger.The second side includes a mounting interface made at least partially offerromagnetic material such that one or more magnets of a mountingplatform of the game controller magnetically attract the removablecontroller accessory to the mounting platform. In one exampleimplementation that optionally may be combined with any of the featuresdescribed herein, the removable controller accessory is a single metalinjection molded ferromagnetic part. In one example implementation thatoptionally may be combined with any of the features described herein,the mounting interface includes a cross-shaped cavity configured tocover a cross-shaped protrusion of the mounting platform when theremovable controller accessory is removably affixed to the mountingplatform. In one example implementation that optionally may be combinedwith any of the features described herein, the finger interface includesa cross-shaped directional pad. In one example implementation thatoptionally may be combined with any of the features described herein,the finger interface includes a concave dish having a smooth surface. Inone example implementation that optionally may be combined with any ofthe features described herein, the finger interface includes a concavedish having a textured surface. In one example implementation thatoptionally may be combined with any of the features described herein,the finger interface includes a joystick.

In another example implementation, a removable controller accessory fora game controller comprises a first side and a second side opposite thefirst side. The first side includes a finger interface. The fingerinterface may be sized and shaped for manual manipulation by a finger.The second side includes a mounting interface configured to selectivelymate with a mounting platform of the game controller to removably affixthe removable controller accessory to the mounting platform. Themounting interface includes a cross-shaped cavity configured to cover across-shaped protrusion of the mounting platform when the removablecontroller accessory is removably affixed to the mounting platform. Inone example implementation that optionally may be combined with any ofthe features described herein, the mounting interface is made at leastpartially of ferromagnetic material such that one or more magnets of themounting platform magnetically attract the removable controlleraccessory to the mounting platform. In one example implementation thatoptionally may be combined with any of the features described herein,the finger interface includes a cross-shaped directional pad.

It will be understood that the configurations and/or approachesdescribed herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specificembodiments or examples are not to be considered in a limiting sense,because numerous variations are possible. The specific routines ormethods described herein may represent one or more of any number ofprocessing strategies. As such, various acts illustrated and/ordescribed may be performed in the sequence illustrated and/or described,in other sequences, in parallel, or omitted. Likewise, the order of theabove-described processes may be changed.

The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel andnonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various processes,systems and configurations, and other features, functions, acts, and/orproperties disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof.

1. A removable finger pad for a game controller, the removable fingerpad comprising: a first side including a finger interface, the fingerinterface sized and shaped for manual manipulation by a finger; and asecond side opposite the first side, the second side including amounting interface configured to selectively mate with anaccessory-retention feature of a mounting platform of the gamecontroller to removably affix the removable finger pad to the mountingplatform.
 2. The removable finger pad of claim 1, wherein the mountinginterface is made at least partially of ferromagnetic material, whereinthe accessory-retention feature of the mounting platform includes one ormore magnets, and wherein the removable finger pad is removablyaffixable to the mounting platform through a magnetic attraction betweenthe one or more magnets and the ferromagnetic material.
 3. The removablefinger pad of claim 2, wherein the removable finger pad is a singlemetal injection molded ferromagnetic part.
 4. The removable finger padof claim 1, wherein the finger interface is cross-shaped.
 5. Theremovable finger pad of claim 1, wherein the finger interface includes aconcave dish having a smooth surface.
 6. The removable finger pad ofclaim 1, wherein the finger interface includes a concave dish having atextured surface.
 7. The removable finger pad of claim 1, wherein themounting interface includes one or more snap fasteners, wherein theaccessory-retention feature of the mounting platform includes one ormore corresponding snap fasteners configured to interlock with one ormore snap fasteners of the removable finger pad to removably affix theremovable finger pad to the mounting platform.
 8. The removable fingerpad of claim 1, wherein the mounting interface and theaccessory-retention feature collectively form a twist-to-lock mechanism.9. The removable finger pad of claim 1, wherein the mounting interfaceincludes a cross-shaped cavity configured to cover a cross-shapedprotrusion of the mounting platform when the removable finger pad isremovably affixed to the mounting platform.
 10. The removable finger padof claim 1, further comprising: a third side between the first side andthe second side, the third side including a grip notch configured to begripped by a finger.
 11. A removable controller accessory for a gamecontroller, the removable controller accessory comprising: a first sideincluding a finger interface, the finger interface sized and shaped formanual manipulation by a finger; and a second side opposite the firstside, the second side including a mounting interface made at leastpartially of ferromagnetic material such that one or more magnets of amounting platform of the game controller magnetically attract theremovable controller accessory to the mounting platform.
 12. Theremovable controller accessory of claim 11, wherein the removablecontroller accessory is a single metal injection molded ferromagneticpart.
 13. The removable controller accessory of claim 11, wherein themounting interface includes a cross-shaped cavity configured to cover across-shaped protrusion of the mounting platform when the removablecontroller accessory is removably affixed to the mounting platform. 14.The removable controller accessory of claim 11, wherein the fingerinterface includes a cross-shaped directional pad.
 15. The removablecontroller accessory of claim 11, wherein the finger interface includesa concave dish having a smooth surface.
 16. The removable controlleraccessory of claim 11, wherein the finger interface includes a concavedish having a textured surface.
 17. The removable controller accessoryof claim 11, wherein the finger interface includes a joystick.
 18. Aremovable controller accessory for a game controller, the removablecontroller accessory comprising: a first side including a fingerinterface, the finger interface sized and shaped for manual manipulationby a finger; and a second side opposite the first side, the second sideincluding a mounting interface configured to selectively mate with amounting platform of the game controller to removably affix theremovable controller accessory to the mounting platform, the mountinginterface including a cross-shaped cavity configured to cover across-shaped protrusion of the mounting platform when the removablecontroller accessory is removably affixed to the mounting platform. 19.The removable controller accessory of claim 18, wherein the mountinginterface is made at least partially of ferromagnetic material such thatone or more magnets of the mounting platform magnetically attract theremovable controller accessory to the mounting platform.
 20. Theremovable controller accessory of claim 18, wherein the finger interfaceincludes a cross-shaped directional pad.